Synopsis
Katabasis, noun, Ancient Greek:
The story of a hero’s descent to the underworld
Two academic rivals from Cambridge must travel to Hell to rescue the soul of their advisor. Getting there was easy. Surviving it – and each other – is another thing entirely.
2025’s most unexpected love story is going to be hell in the new novel by New York Times #1 Bestseller R.F. Kuang. Coming August 2025!
Critical Praise
“Rich with allusion and illusion, Kuang crafts a witty, gory, harrowing ride that thoroughly roasts the perils and power structures of academia, while never losing sight of what it means to have a fragile, human heart.” — #1 New York Times bestselling author, Leigh Bardugo
“A spellbinding and poignant story that had me riveted to the pages, R.F. Kuang’s KATABASIS is more than a novel to savor. This book is an experience. I envy those who get to read it for the first time.”
— Rebecca Ross, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Divine Rivals
“This is a book of ideas, and as such, Kuang’s creativity shines, her vehicle for story a prose that’s smooth as butter. Katabasis is a formidable, timeless work, destined to be a modern classic.” — Olivie Blake, New York Times bestselling author of The Atlas Six
“What an adventure! Katabasis is a tour de force – literate, witty, and wise, it thrills and delights all the way to a hugely satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed it tremendously.” — Gareth Brown, international bestselling author of The Book of Doors
“Wickedly sharp and unexpectedly sweet, going to hell has never been this entertaining.” — Shannon Chakraborty, New York Times bestselling author of The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
“A balance of literary deep thinking, pop commercial fun, and outrageous audacity. Kuang uniquely and authentically writes the Academy with the right mix of love and rage.” — Rebecca Roanhorse, New York Times bestselling author
“A philosophical tribute to love, Katabasis is the latest master turn by a master novelist. Under the surface of R.F. Kuang’s rigorous treatment of logic and hell is an endless reservoir of vitality and a deep thirst for life. This timeless search for meaning is for any reader struggling to find purpose in a deeply flawed world.” — Vaishnavi Patel, New York Times bestselling author of Kaikeyi
